Hesket Newmarket Conservation Area

Why is Hesket Newmarket special?

Hesket Newmarket is a small historic hamlet in a sheltered location on a terrace above the valley of the River Caldew with attractive architectural and historic character. This includes:

At the meeting point of some twelve roads, bridle-tracks and footpaths linking Hesket Newmarket to the high sheep-grazed fells to the south and west and to the patchwork of small fields and cattle pasture surrounding the village

The main focus of settlement surrounding the edges of an long sloping elliptical village green that once hosted the market from which the hamlet derives its name

A secondary development along the roads leading into the hamlet, and around the How Beck, to the east of the hamlet

Numerous listed buildings dating mainly from the late 17th to early 19th centuries, including the Market Cross in the centre of the green and the unusual cross-shaped Hesket Hall Farmhouse

Several of these buildings being former public houses and a smithy, buildings that testify to the hamlet’s historic role as a market and meeting place for the scattered farms of this part of the Lake District

Working farms and grazing sheep, cattle and ducks in the centre of the village and in the fields that descend into the village

Wide green verges and spring-fed greens enhancing the close relationship between Hesket Newmarket and the surrounding landscape

Abundant wildlife, including large flocks of swallows

Significant long views through the conservation area to the rolling hills and woodland that surround the hamlet

A thriving commercial hub catering to visitors with camping and bed and breakfast accommodation, a tea shop, pubs and a brewery, and a post office and general store.

More details

The Lake District National Park Authority looks after this unique corner of England, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and helping those who live and work here. Our staff include rangers and field workers, advisers at our visitor centres, planners and ecologists.